New Classifications To Shake Up Florida Vaulting

The Florida High School Activities Association recently, October 21st, released the new classification lists for the 2009 - 2010 year.  Among the biggest surprises include St. Thomas Aquinas and Wharton High Schools moving from 3A to 4A.  St. Thomas returns one of the premier vaulters in the state, David Shepherd, and Wharton returns the defending 3A state champion, London Enos.  Moving from 2A to 3A was Citrus High School who returns Caleigh Boyington, who vaulted 10′6″ at last year’s state meet. The class 2A girls still looks to be the cream of the crop with the top 7 girls returning from last year, of which the lowest of the 7 vaulters was 10′.

The move from 3A to 4A will bring challenges to St. Thomas Aquinas, who was the defending boys state champions, and Flagler Palm Coast, who is the defending 4A boys state champions.  FPC has 2 outstanding vaulters and STA has multiple outstanding vaulters.  St. Thomas will be in region 3 and Flagler Palm Coast will be in region 1.  The key will be to see who gets the most vaulters out of their region.  Good luck to everyone this season.  Hope to see everyone at the Winter Pole Vault City Camps.

The Next Attempt Sets The Bar Higher

Film maker Bubba McLean is known for many things in his adventurous career.  Bubba is an outstanding pole vaulter, surfer, adventurer, handy-man, and documentary extraordinaire. The Next Attempt, a follow-up film to A Pole Vaulter’s Dream, follows Bubba’s trek across Europe, Japan, and the US as he travels to championship vault meets and street vaults.  McLean’s documentary-style film is a pleasant change to the fast paced action that most expect in a pole vault DVD.  The Next Attempt shows viewers how unbelievably popular the idea of street vaulting is in Europe.  The Europeans apparently find this as good a reason as any to throw back a few pints and enjoy free entertainment, much as Americans would flock to bike week or a wet t-shirt contest during Spring Break.  The scenery in this DVD is stunning.  The rolling hills of Europe combined with the architectural details of skilled artisans combine for a panoramic panacea.  The film focuses on some of the best pole vaulters in the world including Olympic Champion Steve Hooker, American record holders Jenn Stuczynski and Brad Walker, along with a host of other talented vaulters.  The eclectic musical background makes the film almost as enjoyable as the vaulting and scenery.  Bubba’s ideas in videography are as refreshing as they are unique.  Make sure you get your copy and don’t forget the popcorn.  The DVD can be purchased at www.thenextattempt.com.